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Friday, March 31, 2017

Jensyn Parrish was one of the world’s most gorgeous supermodels, dubbed the “Perfect 10” for most of her career. Thirteen years ago, a horrific car accident left her face disfigured. Suffering the loss of her beauty, career, and self-worth, she seeks a life of quiet seclusion in Hawaii.

Lincoln Bass, a New York best-selling author and adrenaline junkie, has no idea what he could possibly have in common with his brother’s friend Jensyn. After suddenly being impaired with blindness at only twenty-five, his life is forever altered. Independent, headstrong, and ever the daredevil, Lincoln is stricken with the certainty that if he wants to continue writing, he needs help.

Two people damaged by circumstances of fate…

Disguising who she once was becomes a difficult task for Jensyn. Her only job is to help Lincoln finish his book. But boundaries are somehow obscured and fiction becomes their reality.

Beverley will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner, and a boxed set of the first 3 books of the Daughters of Sin series to another randomly drawn winner (US ONLY), both awarded via rafflecopter during the tour.

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BLURB:

Four very different sisters compete for love during an exciting London season: a celebrated actress with a heart of gold, a shy yet daring wallflower, and the artistic, illegitimate daughter of a nobleman.

Caught up in a high-stakes game of intrigue and deceit orchestrated by their sister, the ton's reigning beauty, each must play their part to bring a dangerous traitor to justice while finding a man deserving of their love and special talents.

The gentlemen of the ton are about to discover a woman made just for them.

If you enjoy Delilah Marvelle and Liz Carlyle, you'll love Daughters of Sin, a series that combines sensuous Regency romance with lashings of mystery and intrigue.

Wearily Silverton stepped across the threshold into his dimly lit townhouse, surrendering his hat and coat. He wouldn’t go straight to bed, though it was late and he had an early start with meetings at the Foreign Office.

“M’lord, you have a visitor waiting for you in the drawing room.”

Silverton couldn’t have been more surprised—and delighted—at the identity of his unexpected visitor who leapt up in a rustle of silken skirts as the butler discreetly withdrew.

“Kitty! What are you doing here?” He barely dared hope yet he had to ask the question, the affirmative to which would have made him the happiest man on earth. Right now he felt like the loneliest. “Have you come back to me?”

“Oh Silverton, you know I can’t do that when you’re to be married in a little over a week.” She looked truly regretful yet her smile, tinged with sadness, was the most glorious sight he could remember seeing as the last few weeks of London revels blurred across his mind.

“You don’t love me quite enough to do that, eh?” It was a low shot but, emboldened by the fact he’d just knocked back more than a few brandies shortly before, he wanted to needle her into some declaration that would hint at the truth of her feelings for him.

“I love you too much to force you into such a conflict with your sense of honor, my dearest.”

He was disappointed when she took a step back as he approached and said, softly, “Please don’t touch me, Silverton, for you know how susceptible I am to your overtures and I’m really here for a very noble reason which would be entirely spoiled if it resulted in anything physical between us.”

“But the physical between us has always been so mutually satisfying, hasn’t it? And we both feel exactly the same about each other as we did—” he paused, then added with difficulty— “before you left me.”

“That might be true but that’s not what I’ve come here to talk about.” Her words were truncated on a slow sigh for Silverton had succeeded in breaching the distance between them and now his fingertips were gently caressing her cheek.

She closed her eyes but did not move other than to whisper, “It’s about Lord Debenham.”

“Such a ghastly man, indeed,” Silverton murmured, hoping that concurring with what he knew she felt about the man was appropriate under the circumstances. “I hope you’ll stay well clear of him.” Carefully he drew Kitty into his embrace. He needed to manage this encounter with the greatest skill. Holding the most exquisite woman he’d ever met, the woman he’d made his mistress when he’d wanted so badly to make her his wife, simply reinforced how right she made him feel. She was bright, intelligent, a lively companion, and so very beautiful.

And she was so hell-bent on doing what was right.

Silverton was hell-bent on doing what was right, too, which was why he’d never held his wife-to-be in anything more intimate than a waltz hold for fear it would be the death-knell to his resolve that he could act in the interests of his family and marry Octavia.

“And what is it about villainous Viscount Debenham that brought you to my townhouse so late at night?”

Kitty twined her arms about behind his neck and nestled her head against his chest. Her soft sigh of contentment was like a hot needle in his most tender parts for Kitty was so transparent about her affection for him.

She smiled up at him, biting her lip as a shadow of doubt crossed her features. “I told him you were a spy.”

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

About Beverley Oakley

Beverley was seventeen when she bundled up her first 500+ page romance and sent it to a publisher. Rejection followed swiftly. Drowning one’s heroine on the last page, she was informed, was not in line with the expectations of romance readers.

So Beverley became a journalist.

After a whirlwind romance with a handsome Norwegian bush pilot she met in Botswana, Beverley discovered her “Happy Ever After”, saved her heroine from drowning in her next manuscript and had her first Regency romance published in 2009.

Since then, she’s written more than fifteen sizzling historical romances laced with mystery, intrigue and suspense under the name Beverley Oakley.

She also writes psychological historicals, and Colonial-Africa-set romantic suspense, as Beverley Eikli.

With an inspiring view of a Gothic nineteenth-century insane asylum across the road, Beverley lives north of Melbourne with her gorgeous husband, two lovely daughters and rambunctious Rhodesian Ridgeback, Mombo, named after the Okavango Delta safari lodge where she and her husband met.

Karen is offering a tour-wide giveaway featuring two (2) print copies (U.S. entries only) of STILL ME and two (2) eBook copies of STILL ME (International entries). Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter.

Poignant...Humorous...Brutally Honest!

A collection of personal reflections guaranteed to keep you inspired and entertained on that journey we all travel together: The Journey of Aging.

With a blend of grace, dignity, warmth and humor, women and men from 60 to 90 and from all walks of life candidly share the blessings and pitfalls of aging – from keeping dreams alive and keeping sex lives active to dealing with retirement, loss of independence and a growing sense of mortality.

Rev. Clara Alexanderis an ordained New Thought minister who creates and performs sacred ceremonies, including unique weddings, funerals, memorial services, baby blessings and house blessings. She is also a popular speaker, inspiring groups with her talks on how we cling to our grudges, how we overuse the phrase “I’m sorry” and how we can live the life we love.

Wendy Brownrecently retired from a career in wildlife biology, where she studied sandhill cranes and whooping cranes as they migrated from Idaho to New Mexico. Wendy eventually found a permanent home in Albuquerque, where she and her husband enjoy the sounds of sandhill cranes from their deck. Since retiring from state government in 2014.

Valerie Cappshas bypassed the porch rocking chair to pursue her life-long passion for writing, thereby proving that in today’s world, life can begin again at 65! Valerie lives in Nashville with her husband and their spoiled-rotten Welsh Corgi. www.amazon.com/Valerie-Capps/e/B016VD9V72

Mary W. Clarkretired from her law practice in 2007 and transferred her observation and composition skills to travel writing. She is currently working on a book about her father’s World War II experience flying “the Hump” from India to China over the Himalayas. Mary lives in Paris, Texas. www.maryclarktraveler.com

Fran Fischer: “I was born at a very young age and that happened 82 years ago, so I don’t remember much about it. I’ve crammed as much living into my life as possible, and I’m not through yet. I’ve traveled extensively and I even flew in the same zero-gravity plane that the astronauts trained in. I live in California with my first (and only) husband, and we celebrated our 62nd anniversary this year.”

Pat Garcia(Patricia Anne Pierce-Garcia Schaack) is an American expatriate living in Europe. An accomplished musician as well as a writer, she has been writing (and reading) since childhood.

Mark David Gersonis the author of more than a dozen books, including critically acclaimed titles for writers, award-winning fiction, and compelling memoirs. Known as “The Birthing Your Book Guru,” Mark David works with an international roster of clients as coach and consultant, helping them get their stories onto the page and into the world with ease. http://www.markdavidgerson.com/

Holly Deuel Gilsterplays “make believe” for a living. In other words, she is a professional actress and musician. Holly also loves painting with words as an accomplished poet, an award-winning short-story writer and a book reviewer for The Or Echo.

Aaron Gordonis a retired social sciences community college professor. He and his wife, Ellie, have been married for 65 years and have three children and grandchildren.

Ellie Gordonis a retired public school teacher who spent the best 20 years of her life in the classroom. A Chicago native, she now lives in New Mexico.

Karla “Rosie” Harperrecently retired from teaching elementary school, freeing her to return to her early love of dancing. Today, when not helping out with her grandchildren, Rosie is taking dance lessons, spinning on a dance floor or performing in senior centers and retirement communities with Albuquerque’s Sugartime, as a singer as well as a dancer.

Linda Hoyeis the author of Two Hearts: An Adoptee’s Journey Through Grief to Gratitude, available through major online retailers. A native of Saskatchewan, Linda currently lives in British Columbia (by way of Washington State) with her husband and doted-upon Yorkshire Terrier. www.lindahoye.com

E.V. Legtershasn’t so much retired as she has exchanged one life for another — from rewarding years with career and children (while pursuing the arts on the fly) to a life with the arts at its center. She is the author of Vanishing Point and Connected Underneath and is currently hard at work on her third novel. www.evlegters.com

LD Mastersonlived on both coasts before becoming landlocked in Ohio. After twenty years managing computers for the American Red Cross, she now divides her time between writing, volunteer work and enjoying her grandchildren. Her short stories have been published in several magazines and anthologies, and she is currently working on a new novel. www.ldmasterson.com

Kathleen Messmernot only runs a film production company with offices in the UK and the US, she is an avid photographer and wildlife advocate. In the unlikely event that she ever retires, Kathleen plans to live on a ranch with draft horses and pygmy goats and vineyards and fruit orchards, somewhere near the water. Oh, and a cowboy...maybe. www.kathleenmessmer.com

Karen Norstadhas worked as cashier/gift wrapper, secretary, boutique seamstress, administrative assistant, manager of employee stock options, executive assistant, and budget analyst. Now retired, Karen’s life revolves around lounging about, wearing PJs until four in the afternoon, obsessing over the news, reading, fusing and slumping glass, practicing piano, keeping a small balcony garden and cooking.

Matt Nyman’s nonlinear career path has included working in the geological sciences, teaching high school, stay-at-home parenting and, currently, training tomorrow’s teachers. Poetry equently resides near the surface of his existence, occasionally erupting onto paper.

Jill Plamanwas born and began aging in Milwaukee, but she has lived and worked in Albuquerque since 1977. She holds a BS from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and an MSW from the University of Minnesota. Her special interests are travel, international folk dancing, reading, hiking and spending time with family and friends.

Maureen Polikoffis a clinical social worker/ therapist who has always pursued many other creative endeavors, including painting, playing music and, now, writing. A Connecticut native, she lives in New Mexico with her husband, Michael.

MaryFrank Sanbornleft Boston 33 years ago, to apprentice with photographer Walter Chappell in Santa Fe. Still in love with the beauty of the Southwest, MaryFrank photographs, writes, hikes, travels, teaches yoga and meditation, makes soups on Sundays, and dreams of the ocean and whales.

Patricia Stolteyis the author of four mystery novels. The most recent is Wishing Caswell Dead. She lives in Northern Colorado with Sassy Dog, Katie Cat and her husband, Bill. www.patriciastolteybooks.com

Susan Swiderskigrew up in Dundalk, Maryland, where everybody calls everybody hon and eating steamed crabs is a sacrament. Although she’s happy in her adopted Georgia, part of her heart still lingers on the shores of Chesapeake Bay, explaining the setting for her novel, Hot Flashes and Cold Lemonade. Susan is currently working on a trilogy, proof that this old gal is still a pathological optimist. www.susan-swiderski.blogspot.com

Jan Castle Walkeris a retired teacher and an active artist. She lives in Davis, California with her husband, Mack. www.jancastlewalker.com

Karen Helene Walkeris a novelist, memoirist and essayist and the author of The Wishing Steps and Following the Whispers. When not writing, Karen is tap dancing, folk dancing or performing with the musical group Sugartime at retirement communities. Karen is currently working on her second memoir. www.karenfollowingthewhispers.blogspot.com

You can follow Karen and the other authors along on their tour by checking out the schedule HERE.

Thanks for stopping by today. Be sure to check out this charming book.

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Forever a Hero

The Carsons of Mustang Creek

by Linda Lael Miller

I could not wait to get my hot little hands on the third book in The Carson's Mustang Creek Series. Forever a Hero is Mace Carson's story. Mace is not only a cowboy. He has a talent for making tasty wines. He loves to create new wines with flavors that he enjoys. So when Kelly Wright comes to town to talk him into selling his winery it's not going to be an easy sell for Kelly.

Kelly Wright has been through a lot. She was attacked in college by a madman. Thankfully Mace just seen what was going on and was able to save Kelly before anything happened. That was their first meeting and then several years pass before they meet again.

I don't want to tell you too much but oh my goodness the first part of this story had me holding my breath and maybe even leaning back a little bit to give Mace a little more leverage if he needed it. That will make sense when you read the story.

Kelly came to Mustang Creek on business but business can sometimes mix with pleasure a little bit. The attraction between Kelly and Mace is certainly there. They don't agree on all business terms but they sure do agree on other matters. I really enjoyed watching them get to know each other. This is one of those second chance romances that I found myself cheering for. These two so deserve a chance at happily ever after together.

The Carson family is just awesome. That is certainly a one for all and all for one family. If one member has problem they all step up to the plate to help out. Whether it is a mess that needs cleaned up or someone that needs to be taken care of.

There is some major suspense and dramatic moments. I don't want to tell you too much about them but I love how the Carson family and the town of Mustang Creek sticks together to get things done.

This is part of the Carsons of Mustang Creek series but it will stand on it's own just fine. If you have had a chance to read the other two books you will enjoy catching up with the other Carson brothers and their wives.

Overall I really liked this book. There are some interesting elements that adds into the story line that makes it just a little different yet so enjoyable. I love cowboy stories. Those cowboys just have that laid back attitude, but they can take care of any problem, and they have those good ol' boys manners.

I always enjoy Linda Lael Miller's books. She has such a smooth and easy to read writing style that pulls you right in. I'll be anxious to see what she has in store for us lucky readers next.

I was given the opportunity to read this wonderful story and it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you.

Q: Do you have a favorite snack that like to munch on while writing? If so would you mind sharing what it is with us?A:Skinny Pop popcorn, dry roasted almonds, and green tea with lemon.

Q: When you are not busy writing wonderful stories to keep us lucky readers entertained, what do you like to do? Do you have a hobby?

A: Most of my non-writing time is spent kid-wrangling and taskmastering- I have two very active children ages six and ten. There’s also a lot of housework to be done, and I’m not quite at the level to have a maid yet. There are two television shows I watch regularly- Underground and Braxton Family Values, and I have to DVR them and watch them later. I also love cross stitching, adult coloring, and video games, mainly the survival horror stuff (Silent Hill/Resident Evil), though I don’t get to do the last three things as often as I’d like.

Q: Do you have a favorite background noise you like to having going while you write (TV, Music, kids playing)?A: Music is a MUST. Mainly it’s my three favorite genres: R&B, Jazz and Hip Hop. Lots of Ro James and Miguel as of late, but I still enjoy the classics: Heavy D, Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald.

Q:What are you currently working on?

A: Actually I’m working on the third TDT book, which I’m praying to finish in time!

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BLURB:

Xavier Whitted, CPA and city council candidate is excited to get away to the Crystal Coast for his best friend’s wedding. He is shocked when he runs into his high school sweetheart there, the only woman he ever truly loved.

Dr. Imani Grant is just about ready to open her own dermatology practice when a serious wrench is put in her plans—in the form of Xavier Whitted. Old feelings resurface along with old secrets from the past. Imani isn’t willing to go there, until Xavier starts a new campaign: win Imani back—no matter what it takes.

Like any good Southern belle, Kianna Alexander wears many hats: loving wife, doting mama, advice-dispensing sister, and gabbing girlfriend. She's a voracious reader, history nerd and craft fanatic. Kianna lives in North Carolina with her husband, two kids, and a collection of well-loved vintage 80's Barbie dolls.

Dana Ford will be awarding a $50 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter. Remember you may increase your chances of winning by visiting the other tour stops. You may find those locations here.

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Interview with Dana Ford:

Crystal: Today I have the pleasure of hosting Dana Ford. Welcome Dana! I'm so excited to have you here today! Would you share a little bit about yourself with us today?

Dana: I have enjoyed writing stories since I can remember and have found a new love in writing mystery fiction. My favorite hobbies besides writing is watching old movies, volunteering in my community, and spending precious moments with my family.Crystal: Do you have a favorite scene you would like to share with us?

Dana: I really don't have a favorite scene. I enjoyed writing every chapter.Crystal: Where did you come up with the idea for your latest release?

Dana: For the past 10-years I have been having dreams about the plots within the C. McCauley Case Files. I knew I wanted to write these novels, and finally put pen to paper and published the first of this series.

Crystal: What are you currently working on?

Dana: I am working on the next case file novel. The plot for this one is introduced in the last chapter of Case File Phantom. Crystal:Do you have any special routine that you follow when you are writing?

Dana: Writing for me is fun. I usually write on the weekends while at home. I can be in any room to write and prefer to be near a window with natural light coming through.

Crystal: Who are some of your favorite authors that you like to read?

Dana: Nicolas Spark is my favorite author.

Crystal: Is there a genre you haven't written that you would like to try?

Dana: People have given me ideas for a science fiction novel. Maybe I'll consider writing this genre in the future.

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BLURB:

In this mystery fiction novel, Georgia Richards lost hope of ever seeing her husband again since he disappeared over a year ago. On a Saturday afternoon, she thought she saw him at a play; on stage at the Oaksdale Playhouse. But, Georgia didn’t have the courage to find out if it was really him. Constance McCauley was empathetic to Georgia’s faint of heart and decided to offer her investigation services to find the true identity of this mysterious man. Would Constance be able to track down Georgia’s estranged husband? If he was found, why had he been missing for over a year? As Constance pursued this case with a combination of faith and persistence, she witnessed the power of forgiveness unfold before her eyes.

It was beautiful inside. The space quaint, low lighting, enough ambience to make a lucrative business deal or extend a marriage proposal. Thanks to Troy making reservations, we were seated right away in a cozy booth for two. Sean placed a marketing folder on the table next to his place setting. “I’m looking forward to talking about what we can do for your company.” He said. His eyes were naturally a darker brown in this low lighting. I smiled, thankful for the distraction of the waiter.

“Would you care for some wine?” The waiter asked pleasantly.

“None for me, thank you.” I replied.

“I’ll take a glass of your best red wine.” Sean responded.

“Very good sir.”

Sean jumped right in. “Did Alex talk to you about all of our services or did he just focus on one aspect of what we do, like print advertising?”

“Well, I actually did not tell you the whole truth about Alex and I.”

Sean perked up to listen.

“I do own a private investigation firm, but I never met Alex through your company.” The waiter returned with Sean’s glass of wine and sparkling water for me. We both ordered their chef’s special pasta with a salad.

“Oh.” Sean thought for a moment.

“But, tell me. What services do you have?” I asked. I actually did want to know.

Until dinner arrived, Sean presented all of the details that were included in the marketing folder that he had brought. He pitched ways to expose my business from print advertising, to social media strategies. “Are you interested in pursuing any of these marketing approaches?” He asked, knowing that he was one of the best salesmen on the Brown & Edwards sales team.

Taking a look over all of the amazing food that was just placed on our table, I also considered the marketing services that Sean had presented. “Let me think about it.” I responded.

“You had the same hesitation when we met the other day. What exactly are you thinking about?” He returned like a true salesman.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Dana Ford has enjoyed writing stories since she can remember. She has penned several books and has found a new love in writing mystery fiction. Her favorite hobbies besides writing is watching old movies, volunteering in her community, and spending precious moments with her family.